A prison guard has been suspended from a North East jail after allegedly being found drunk on Christmas Day.

The guard was working in a wing of HMP Northumberland on December 25 when, the Chronicle understands, he was suspected of drinking while on duty.

Sodexo, the private company which runs the jail, confirmed that a prison guard has been suspended following an “incident” on Christmas Day and said an investigation is underway.

No further details have been released by the jail.

A Sodexo Justice Services spokesperson said: “An employee at HMP Northumberland has been suspended following an incident on Christmas Day.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further while a police investigation is underway.”

Prison officers are bound to a strict code of conduct and the National Offender Management Service, which trains prison officers, has a staff alcohol policy which states: “All members of staff are responsible for ensuring that they are ‘fit for duty’.

“This includes ensuring that they are not under the influence of alcohol whilst at work.”

The code of conduct issued to prison officers states being found under the influence of alcohol while on duty is misconduct, which will result in disciplinary action.

HMP Northumberland at Acklington in Northumberland

But Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said she believes staff at HMP Northumberland have been under increasing stress.

The jail, which was taken over by Sodexo in December 2013 has seen staff numbers fall from 441 in 2010 to 270 in 2013, and was last year described as a ‘tinderbox’ by prison workers’ unions.

Ms Crook said: “They have had significant staff cuts and staff who are working there are under huge pressure.

“It’s a tough ask, as we know, to get staff in the emergency services, and public services, over the holiday period.

“When staff perhaps do not feel valued or are under intense pressure it’s setting people up to fail.”

Last week it was revealed that Matt Spencer, the director of HMP Northumberland, will leave his post this year.

Mr Spencer is due to be replaced by Tony Simpson, a former deputy director at HMP Addiewell, in West Lothian.

And an inspection report on the jail, due to be issued by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons, is expected in the coming weeks.